There are certain pieces that no man should be without.  For example, a blue blazer, a perfectly worn pair of jeans, and a basic pair of chinos are all things that are on that list. With rain showers becoming a bit more frequent, another item that will always come in handy, and should definitely be on your “must have” list, is a well made trench coat.  The Trench ($185) from L. L. Bean Signature is a great option if you are looking for a trench that will last for years, but won’t break the bank.

While there are many trench options available, you would be surprised how many look good but manage to fail at the one purpose they are meant for; keeping you dry.   Of course, this isn’t the case with the L. L. Bean Signature Trench.  Made of water-repellent cotton and half-lined with cotton tattersall, the Trench is going to keep you dry without weighing you down.  With a simple straight cut, this coat is about as classic as you can get.  Featuring slash pockets and a single back vent, the Trench looks just as good over khakis and a blazer as it does over jeans and a well worn oxford.  The biggest mistake we see when people finally decide on a trench coat is poor sizing.  Since it is part of the Signature line, this coat is a bit more fitted than a traditional L.L. Bean trench, but if you fall between sizes you still might want to lean towards the smaller side, because there isn’t much worse than a trench that fits like a bathrobe.